A SCHOOL has taken its first steps to register as an academy.

Hitchin Boys’ School has decided to proceed with registering an interest in converting the school into an academy. It means it could receive thousands of pounds a year in extra funding.

The decision was made at a meeting of the main board of the governing body last week.

“Academy status brings with it a number of freedoms, not least of which is the ability to use the full delegated budget directly from central government,” said headteacher Martin Brown.

“We anticipate that conversion to academy status will have no noticeable effect on the day to lives of students or staff. The move will nonetheless allow us to ensure that the current excellent standard of education is maintained.”

The school has now begun a consultation, inviting comments from all those involved with the school.

Stakeholders are invited to drop in and speak to the headteacher on Wednesday, March 7 between 9.30am and 6.30pm. Letters can also be posted.

The consultation will close on Friday, March 9, with all comments received reviewed by the school the following week.

A decision will then be made whether to apply to the Department of Education. It is here that the final decision would be made.

“This is an important time in the development of Hitchin Boys’ School,” added Mr Brown. “I would welcome as many views as possible to support us in making the decision.”